Reha Bilir

My photographic journey, which began in 1975 as a student at Eskişehir Anatolian High School, has now reached its 50th year. Back then, as a young student holding a camera for the first time, it was not just a tool to capture memories but a window that allowed me to see the world from a different perspective.

This half-century-long journey has provided me with countless personal and artistic experiences. From my earliest shots to serving as a jury member in national and international photography contests, from organizing exhibitions to discovering photography as a universal language, every step along the way has proven how powerful an art form it truly is.

Founding Sille Sanat Sarayı, organizing numerous events, and establishing friendships with photographers from all over the world have all been significant milestones. For me, photography has been more than a profession or a hobby—it has been a bridge connecting people and uniting cultures.

Through our strong ties with FIAP (International Federation of Photographic Art), we have undertaken many meaningful projects. Being a founding member of the FIAP Photo Academy, serving as a jury member for the FIAP World Cup, being part of the GPU Directory Board, and contributing to countless national and international organizations have added immense value to my photographic life.

As I celebrate the 50th year of my photographic journey, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the teachers who encouraged me at the beginning of this path, my family who stood by my side, the senior photographers who inspired me, the friends with whom I have enjoyed the pleasure of creating together for years, and the esteemed members of Sille Sanat Sarayı, whose unwavering support I have always felt in every project.

I also deeply thank the organizations that honored me as an honorary member, including ALTINORAN, GİFSAD( Gaziantep Silk Road Art Photography Club), İZFAK (Izmir Photography Academy), SİVSAD (Siverek Photography Artists Association), SİFAD (Sinop Photography Amateurs Association), SURETİALEM, and SUPC (Selçuk University Photography Club).

My special thanks go to the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), as well as federations and associations from over 20 countries such as Iran, India, Bangladesh, Benin, the USA, Cyprus, Egypt, and to Salihli Photography Association (SALFOD), which honored me by naming an international photography competition after me. I am equally grateful to the Beyşehir Culture and Tourism Association for organizing a tracking organizetion in my name. Lastly, I would like to express my appreciation to the Turkish Pharmacists’ Association, which recognized my contributions to the art of photography by awarding me the title of “Pharmacist Who Adds Value to the Profession.”

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

I am eternally grateful to my late father, whose unwavering support gave me the strength to continue this journey.

The experiences I have gained over the years continue to serve as a source of motivation for new projects, new stories, and new horizons. With 50 years of experience, I will continue to share how much photography can add to our lives.

With the healing and unifying power of art, I hope to keep chasing the light and meeting photography for many more years to come.

Photography Club and first dark room works at Eskişehir College - 1975

Intra-school inter-student competition and first prize - 1976